Medics across east London are running special diabetes education sessions advising Muslims about possible health risks during Ramadan.

Their concern is that during Ramadan, some Muslims with diabetes might not adjust their medication correctly and need guidance on healthy eating and changes in their blood glucose levels.

Special Ramadan and Diabetes Education Sessions will be held at centres throughout Newham and Tower Hamlets over the next fortnight ahead of the start of the Holy Month on July 7. Residents with diabetes will get advice on how to fast safely during Ramadan.

Two sessions will take place at the Shrewsbury Road Diabetes Centre in Forest Gate with the first on June 27 from 5pm to 6.30pm. The second will be on the following Thursday, July 4 between 5pm and 6.30pm.

In Tower Hamlets the sessions are being hosted at the Alpha Grove Community Centre on June 28 between 9.30am and 11am; the Barkantine Centre on 27 June between 10am and 12pm and the Blithehale Medical Centre between 10am and 12pm on July 4.

Patients and relatives can attend, and full details of all the sessions are available at www.bartshealth.nhs.uk/ramadan.

Fahmida Khanom, a senior diabetes specialist nurse at Barts Health said: “I respect that patients want to fast during Ramadan despite it not being compulsory due to their diabetes.

“It is imperative however that they get the education required to fast safely but at the same time look after their diabetes”

Dr Shahzada Khan, who is based at the Vicarage Lane practice in Newham, said: “We want to support Muslims in observing their faith rather than prevent them from doing something that is so important to them and that they have a great love for.

“We can also support them should they choose not to fast for health reasons. What is important is that we give them advice which has been approved both medically and from a religious point of view and allow them to make a decision.”